Lupus Profundus as an Initial Manifestation of a Late Indolent SLE

Abstract

After 11 years from the onset of developing lupus profundus the patient described here began to intermittently express hematological and serological features of SLE yet failed to reach the minimally required four criteria for the classification of the systemic disease. Lupus profundus in this case was the initial manifestation of a late but indolent SLE. Regardless whether the patient eventually will develop the complete form of lupus or not, the case stresses on the importance of the constant and regular follow up of patients with isolated skin lesions as they may turn into a wider form of lupus even after lengthy period of time.